BHMS Weekly Update
Thursday, January 4, 2024
March 7, 2024
3/8: 6th Grade Dance 4pm
3/16: Saturday School
3/19: SLT mtg 4:30pm Media Center
Saturday School!
6th Grade Dance!
Principal's Corner
Dear Beacon Hill Students and Families,
As it gets warmer, we’re noticing more and more coats/jackets showing up in lost and found. Please have your student check lost and found or feel free to drop by the main office and check for yourself before those items are donated to charity.
Thanks to all who came out to Friday’s Principals Coffee Chat. If you missed it, you can access the recording of the chat via our website. Our next Coffee Chat will be very helpful as we get into our Spring testing season. The chat will cover test anxiety in kids. We invite you all to come out on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 9:30 am.
See you soon!!!
Derrick L. Thomas, Principal
Beacon Hill Middle School
“It Only Takes One”
Did you miss February's Coffee chat? Check out the recording below about MYP IB at Beacon Hill Middle School!
📰 BHMS News You Can Use 📰
🌟Spotlight on Diane Bailey-Isaacs 🌟
Congratulations to Diane Bailey-Isaacs, our BHMS Spotlight this week! Ms. Bailey-Isaacs is a remarkable 7th-grade Individuals & Societies teacher. She serves as the chair of the Individual & Societies department. Currently the 7th-grade Africa unit, which explores the theme that global interconnectedness leads to both opportunities and conflicts, Ms. Bailey-Isaacs took the lead in designing an interactive, inquiry-based study. In this unit, students kicked off by mapping Africa, enabling them to physically divide the continent. Through analyzing primary source documents, students delved into the impact of European Imperialism on Africa, considering questions like how the continent was divided and its effects on the people. Engaging in discussions and crafting written responses, students pieced together a comprehensive explanation of the driving factors behind European Imperialism in Africa. This exemplifies Ms. Bailey-Isaacs' use of innovative, challenging, and authentic teaching methods to actively involve students in their historical learning. A big thank you to Ms. B-I for her dedication to our BHMS Bulldogs!
Academic Bowl Team Competes in the Georgia Academic Team Association Middle School Championship
Beacon Hill's Academic Bowl team is brand new this year, but quickly making a name for itself in the state. Saturday they competed in the Georgia Academic Team Association, GATA, Middle School School Championship (North) and tied for 5th place. The team fell to the eventual tournament winner, so for newbies, we're pretty proud. Please congratulate our captains M Eastman and Avinash Rathod, and Saturday's players Abby Avrunin, Sam Charen, Mason Cheng, Ben Corcoran, Alex Levy, Asher Lewin, Odin Smith, and Everett Stinson.
Coretta Scott King and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Awards 2023-2024 Application
Students are invited to submit an application for the 2023-2024 Coretta Scott King and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award by Monday, April 15, 2024, at 4 PM EST to their local schools. K-2 students at some schools require a nomination to participate, which are due Sunday, March 3, 2024, at 11:59 PM EST. Submissions will address characteristics of Mrs. and Dr. King connected to many characteristics our scholars demonstrate daily. See the application document for local school contacts and materials.
Black History Door Decorating and Trivia Contest Winners Announced
Congratulations to the top three winners of the Black History Door Decorating Contest: Mr. Goode, Ms. Niemeyer and Ms. Randall!
The champion of theBlack History Trivia contest it Aaron Shannin
BHMS Media Center Updates From Mr. Lynch
February Circulation Statistics, Women’s History Month, and Georgia Children’s Book Awards!
The media center circulated over 2500 books in February, which is great, considering the break. It breaks down to 837 print books and 1855 ebooks, which is far and away the highest circulation for ebooks in City Schools of Decatur.
To celebrate Women’s History Month, check out this list of titles documenting the contributions of women. Personally, I recommend Wicked History’s “Cixi Evil Empress of China?” It gives a nuanced portrait of one of the most powerful rulers in China’s long history who achieved immense power despite her low ranking origins and maintained it for decades, albeit at immense cost to the country she ruled. These and other titles in the Wicked History series are quite entertaining.
BHMS Women’s History Reading List
The Georgia Children’s Book Award finalists have also been announced, and many of these titles are already available in our Sora collection. Check out the list here!
Talley Street Needs Student Volunteers!
The Talley Tigerfest, March 23rd is looking for student volunteers to help with the children's games and activities. The student volunteer signup form is below https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4AADAA2CA3F5CF8-48220756-tigerfest.
Please note, the photography slots are reserved for photography club students ONLY.
17th Annual Beacon Hill Poetry Slam - Sign up now!
Mark your calendars now for the 17th Annual BHMS Poetry Slam on Wednesday, March 20th at 6:30pm at the DHS PAC - a special night of spoken word artistry by BHMS students. The Poetry Slam is open to all BHMS students and it's not too late to sign up! Any students not yet signed up should contact their ELA teacher, Ms. Holly Lanford (hlanford@csdecatur.net) or Dr. Dawn Bolton (dbolton@csdecatur.net). Interested students are strongly encouraged to attend the weekly coaching sessions on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:50 - 4:50 in Ms. Wicks' classroom, where they have the opportunity to work with a professional slam poet. to craft their poems and hone their spoken word performance. The BHMS Poetry Slam is funded by a generous grant from the BHMS PTA.
Does your child need tutoring, or time to complete make-up work? Sign up for Saturday School today! CSD teachers will provide academic support to students in grades 6-12. This program is free to CSD families. The time is from 9a - 12p at Beacon Hill Middle School.
Grade Level Newsletters
Every Thursday, each grade level will publish its newsletter. Please check them out after you read the school Eblast. Here are the links:
💛💙 From Our PTA💛💙
PTA Spotlight: The Isani Family
This week the PTA is showcasing the Isani family, one of our 2023-2024 Presenting Sponsors. The Isanis are new to Decatur, and BHMS is thankful that this generous family selected our city for their home.
Shamsha and Imtyaz (and their children) moved to Decatur because of the quality of its schools and the vibrancy of its downtown, as well as that Decatur is home to their place of worship, the Atlanta Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center. The Isanis believe they are living the American dream, that God has blessed them, and that they have been called to share their blessings with others. One way they have chosen to do this is by helping those who will become future leaders, including our students here at BHMS.
“In giving, we receive blessings, and we also remain grounded,” Imtyaz says. “We always hear this…‘Sharing is caring.’ We hope that everyone will contribute in their own ways to make our world more peaceful and leave the world a better place for our children and theirs, too.”
The Isanis own several businesses in the Decatur/DeKalb area: Dior’s Jewelers in Shamrock Plaza, Bawarchi Biryanis Indian Restaurant on Church Street, and coming soon…Oasis Spa and Salon in downtown Decatur. If you see the Isanis while you are out in Decatur, please welcome them to our community!
It’s Sixth Grade DANCE PARTY TIME!
The BHMS PTA proudly presents the 2024 Spring Sixth Grade Dance Party. Mark your calendars and buy your student a ticket…and maybe even one for a friend. (All attendees must be in sixth grade.)
Date: Friday, March 8
Time: 4 pm to 5:30 pm
Location: BHMS Cafeteria
Admission: $5 per ticket. BUY TICKETS HERE
Snacks will be sold for $1 each. (Please send small bills.)
Please consider volunteering time or snacks! We can't do this without you!
Interested in volunteering or donating snacks? SIGN UP HERE
Thank you to all of our sponsors who help support these events: Quest Orthodontics and the Isani Family/Imtyaz and Shamsha Isani, Chick-fil-A Decatur and Green Orthodontics, Keller Knapp Realty and Jim Ellis Automotive Group.
BHMS Spirit Wear Available for Purchase
We are excited to see our BHMS family sharing our Bulldog pride through youth apparel, adult apparel and other spirit items. Thank you to BHMS parent Anja Duering for creating these amazing designs! Log on to the BHMS Spirit Wear Store here.
CSD News and Announcements
March is Music In Our Schools Month® (MIOSM®). This year’s theme is “I See ME in Music Education.” MIOSM raises awareness about the importance of music education for all children. Join us in celebrating our amazing CSD music teachers!
National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
In March, City Schools of Decatur will participate in Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month ("DDAM") with the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities. The theme for 2024 is "A World of Opportunities."
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Fiscal Year Budget Feedback
The City Schools of Decatur is in the process of establishing the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget. We are interested in input from the community on any suggestions, concerns, or questions. Please click here to provide your feedback.
Click here to access the entire FY25 Preliminary Budget 5-Year Financial Review presentation.
ELA Adoption Feedback
Parents, teachers, and community stakeholders are invited to view presentations from the vendors of the ELA textbooks currently under public review. Please see the virtual vendor presentation dates/times below.
March 11, 2024 - 12:00 p.m. (Grades K-5), 6:30 p.m. (Grades 6-8)
March 13, 2024 - 12:00 p.m. (Grades 6-8), 6:30 p.m. (Grades K-5)
Access the Virtual Vendor Presentation here (all sessions)
Zoom Link: https://csdecatur.zoom.us/j/99868402923
Please complete the Feedback Survey below after attending the virtual presentation, reviewing the materials in person at the Wilson Center, or accessing the digital content on the ELA Adoption webpage linked here.
Parent Feedback Survey Link- K-5, 6-8
Teacher Feedback Survey Link- K-5, 6-8
Student Restorative Practices and Code of Conduct Handbook (SRPCCH)
It’s time for the yearly review of the Student Restorative Practices and Code of Conduct Handbook (SRPCCH), and we value your feedback and contributions. Please use the provided link to access the Stakeholder Review Feedback Form. The deadline to submit feedback and input is March 31, 2024.
School Board Meeting Schedule
The City Schools of Decatur Board of Education has announced the board meeting schedule for Tuesday, March 12. Decatur City Manager Andrea Arnold will present at the meeting.
Meeting times will adjust each month according to the length of the agenda and published monthly in compliance with the Georgia Open Meetings Act.
The March 12, 2024, CSD Board of Education meeting schedule is as follows:
Executive Session: 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Pre-Work Session: 1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Work Session: 2:30 p.m. – 4:50 p.m.
Board Meeting: 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Public Comment: 6:30 p.m. – 6:50 p.m.
Except for the executive session, all meetings will continue to be live-streamed and open to the public.
CSD FY25 Budget Book Cover Student Design Contest
Calling all City Schools of Decatur K-12 talented student artists! We are seeking submissions for the cover of our first-ever FY25 Budget Book. The budget book will tell students, families, and community stakeholders how CSD receives and spends money to educate all students. It includes the history of the school district, financial documents, and the organizational structure for ensuring all students are safe, seen, and successful.
The contest winner’s design will be featured on the cover of the budget book, on all CSD social media platforms, and in all school newsletters. The winner will also be recognized at an upcoming Board of Education meeting.
We can’t wait to see the creativity of our talented student artists on display! To enter, upload your design in a JPEG or PNG format using this form by April 14.
CSD Community Partners
PTA/PTO/PTSA Upcoming Events
Mar 15: Oakhurst Auction from 7-11 p.m.
Mar 16: Glennwood Casino Night from 7-10 p.m.
Mar 23: Talley Tigerfest from 11-3 p.m.
Mar 23: Westchester Holi Event from 2-4 p.m.
Bulldog Bash Auction Now LIVE
Let the bidding begin! The Bulldog Bash auction is officially live, and there are so many great items up for grabs, such as art, vacations, facials, restaurant gift cards, jewelry, yoga sessions, sporting events, braces, and much more.
You don't have to be present at the party to bid on auction items, but the party is going to be really fun. It will feature two bands (The Wowee Zowees and Thrillbillies), food from Gezzos West Coast Burritos, corn hole, and tailgate games.
Buy your tickets today and encourage your friends to join!
There are four easy ways to support this event:
Buy your ticket here.
Bid on silent auction items (it's all online!)
Buy a 50/50 raffle ticket (winner gets 50% of proceeds, and Boosters get 50%; do not need to be present to win).
Donate to the Coaches Wish List. Support your favorite coach!
Tour deCatur is days away!
Join your Decatur community on March 16th for Decatur Education Foundation’s annual Tour deCatur 5K, One-Mile Fun Run, and the adorable Tot Trot (for the four and under crowd)!
This is DEF’s largest fundraiser, and your support provides funding for programs addressing racial and economic inequity, food insecurity, behavioral health, and learning differences.
Beat the race-day rush, and register now! In-person registration and packet pick-up will be available at the following locations:
DEF’s Office at Legacy Park - 500 S Columbia Dr, Decatur, GA 30030
Wednesday, March 13 from 6 p.m.-7 p.m.
Thursday, March 14 from 12 p.m.-1 p.m.
Friday, March 15 from 6 p.m.-7 p.m.
Mathnasium - 1248 Clairmont Rd #3C, Decatur, GA 30030
Thursday, March 14th, from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. (Mathnasium Decatur's Pi Day Party)
Thank you for supporting this important work! See you at the starting line!
Fair on the Square
Come join the Decatur Youth Council and friends at the inaugural Fair on the Square.
Saturday, March 16, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the Decatur Square.
This year's Decatur Youth Council Spring Project is something special! The DYC, along with help from other high-school leadership teams and city staff members, is hosting the first-ever Fair on the Square.
Our event is a way to leap into spring with a carnival-themed festival that will be fun for the whole family. Entry to the festival is free, and attendees will enjoy live music performed by local bands.
There will be the opportunity to purchase carnival tickets for carnival games and attractions. Some of the attractions at this year's festival include a mechanical bull and a dunk tank with your favorite local celebrities!
Food trucks will be on-site with carnival treats for purchase. Attendees can also pop into the local restaurants surrounding the Square.
The DYC and friends look forward to seeing you at the Square on March 16 from 12 to 5 p.m.!